Spring is here! Get on your sneakers and enjoy this guide to parks and trails.
Wilsonův les
Named after the 28th president of the United States, Woodrow Wilson, this park was found in the 1920s. It has became one of the most popular and biggest parks in the city.
Pros:
- Close to the centre of the town.
- The park is located next to the most luxurious quarter – if you get out of the park, you can continue running between nice villas while thinking about your career :)
Cons:
- The paths are paved with dogs’ shits. This will make you think Czechs are soooo 1600s.
- Some of the paths are muggy and dead-end.
Map
The banks of Svratka
Flowing south from the Brno dam to its confluence with Svitava, Svratka is one of the two biggest rivers in the area. There is a nice “bio-corridor” on its western bank, with a paved road for runners and bikers.
Pros:
- There are some interesting things to see around the track, such as the shanty town “Kamenná kolonie”.
- Cool fresh air, thanks to the river.
- The route is almost flat – great for beginners.
Cons:
- The track is sometimes interrupted by roads.
- Some parts of the track are crowded on sunny weekends.
Map (note the river flowing south in the left third)
Holedná and Hobrtenky
If you are living close to quarters Kohoutovice, Bystrc or Jundrov, don’t miss the great opportunity to jog among wild goats and other cute fluffy animals. There is a huge wildlife reserve located at the hills called Holedná and Hobrtenky. Just don’t let your dog frighten the game.
Pros:
- Unique locality.
- Privacy – this place is unknown even to many life-long residents of Brno.
- A great place for nordic walking.
Cons:
- Prepare for hills, hills and – hills.
Map
Bílá hora & Stránská skála
Now let’s go to the eastern part of Brno. Stránská skála is a huge rock that has been used as a dwelling by primaeval men and as a gun-factory by Adolf Hitler. Bílá hora is a nearby hill with (in my opion) the greatest view over the town (pictured above).
Pros:
- Huge green fields to run over.
- Great views.
Cons:
- There are two large factories built between the two hills. Shame!
Map
Hády (aka Velká Klajdovka)
Finally, a huge nature reservation in the northeast part of the town. There are 10s of kilometers of nice tracks, so your cardio won’t ever be boring again!
Pros:
- If you feel like a 10k run, 20k run or the marathon, the forrest is big enough.
Cons:
- It’s maybe too far from the town’s centre.
Map
General advices
Don’t be afraid to explore new trails. Generally, there are no dangerous or polluted zones in Brno.
Dog owners often don’t control their “pets” and don’t clean the mess left by dogs. I know this is a problem, but I do not have any solution or advice. Just be patient.
Anytime you go jogging, use a repellent to prevent yourself from being bitten by a tick.
And finally – enjoy the fresh air!